Flood defences to be deployed in St Margarets Hope

Due to a combination of high tides and strong westerly winds, Orkney Islands Council will be deploying the flood defences in St Margaret’s Hope today (Saturday 6 November).

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued a flood warning this morning for the area, advising that coastal flooding of low-lying roads and properties is possible. The highest risk will be a few hours either side of high tide – 9.30pm today and 10am on Sunday 7 November.

Large and overtopping waves are likely and in places could cause hazardous unpredictable conditions.

There will be a limited number of sandbags left in the vicinity of the flood defences for the public to use if needed and the Council have asked folk to remove any parked cars from the Cromarty Slip/Front Road area.

SEPA is advising there is likely to be flood warnings for Stromness and sandbags will be available on the pallet outside the Garson Depot for collection should members of the public require them.

There is also the potential for flooding in parts of Sanday and Longhope.

Latest information on the SEPA website, here: https://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/

Stay safe folks, it’s going to be a coarse weekend.